#4 Smokey Lonesome (5-2) has been a bit flat in the Optional Claiming ranks recently. In his last three claiming turf route tries, he posted two wins and a nose defeat, so he figures to be right there in this tight spot.

#2 Deacon Speakin' (5-1) edged my top at BHP Dec 9 and could continue to hold form in his 3rd start off the shelf. He will try to get involved late under Gomez.

#5 Jimmy Simms (7-2) has a nose for the wire and might get brave if able to shake loose early under Leparoux, but that might not be easy with speedster #7 Rock This Way (Tyler Baze) in the lineup.

@marylandgq - The Stevens horse will probably take too make action due to the hype surrounding his comeback. Jebrica finished last in his lone turf race and owns a weak turf pedigree as well. 0% turf sire and dam has tossed 11 winners but none on turf.

I agree with mary...above. They have given him the horse with the best form in order to usher in his re-entrance to racing. Not a good idea to bet against. Besides, as it has been said before, handicapping is fun, but you cannot know where the value is until you see the odds at post time. Case in point...yesterday, S.A. #9. No value all day until the ninth. Then comes the bomb...a $45 hit, the only value in the race, which happens often in the final race of the day. It has been speculated that the Secretary cards this race purposely to bring in a long shot both to heal the losers and bring the crowd back to the track the next day. Good luck on your picks!!!